Eagles release former No. 1 pick Danny Watkins

Baylor Guard Danny Watkins poses for photographs with guests after he was selected as the 23rd overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the NFL football draft at Radio City Music Hall on Thursday, April 28, 2011, in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

August 31, 2013 2:12:52 PM PDT

ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer

PHILADELPHIA - August 31, 2013 --

Former first-round pick Danny Watkins, a firefighter before the Philadelphia Eagles drafted him 23rd overall in 2011, has been released.

Watkins, a surprise pick by former coach Andy Reid, started 18 games at right guard in two seasons with the Eagles.

The Canadian played hockey and rugby in high school and had more experience as a firefighter (five years) than a football player (four) when the Eagles selected him at age 26, making him the oldest first-round pick since 1980 at that time.

Also Saturday, the Eagles released tight end Clay Harbor, safety David Sims, offensive lineman Michael Bamiro, linebackers Travis Long and Chris McCoy, wide receivers Greg Salas and Russell Shepard, and running back Matthew Tucker to reach the 53-man roster limit.